On Thursday 20 November, the Shiplake Sports hall hosted a celebration of the school’s diverse musical talent with our annual Winter Concert.
Big Band kicked off the evening with Sing, Sing, Sing By Benny Goodman. Followed by Grooved Pavement by Victor Lopez.
The spotlight then shifted to Year 8 Strings who performed K & D Blackwell’s Carnival Round with poise and precision. Highliners were next with Before He Cheats by Carrie Underwood, followed by Year 7 Choir singing Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing by Stevie Wonder.
BTEC Band treated the audience to Bill Wither’s soulful classic ‘Aint No Sunshine, and Camerata delivered a graceful rendition of The Lords Prayer from African Sanctus by David Fanshaw.
From eloquent to electric, Year 8 Brass Band performed Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer spreading festive cheer throughout the hall.
Inki carried the energy forward, firstly with Wicked Game by Chris Isaak. Then channelled their inner rockstars, with a smash hit performance of White Wedding by Billy Idol. Special well done to George Watson on lead vocals.
In their debut performance College Wind presented the challenging but expertly delivered War by Hypnotic Brass Ensemble. Crow’s Echo rocked out to the Rolling Stones (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction and Year 8 Choir gave an endearing rendition of Riptide by Vance Joy, complete with a ukelele orchestra.
A highlight of the evening was Arabella May who sang Billy Joel’s Piano Man while playing the keyboard and harmonica. Arabella is a self-taught musician, and we cannot wait to see how her musical journey progresses.
Also new to the stage this year were Little Big Band, a range of students from the Lower School who performed ABC by The Jackson 5, conducted by Year 12 Thomas Rowe.
Chorus gave us a moving rendition of Bring Him Home by Arnold Schonberg, then Coldplay’s toe tapping anthem, Sky Full of Stars.
To close the show, Rare Groove performed I Was Tired of Being Alone by Patrice Rushen, with Bethan Thompson on lead vocals. Finally, Jack Dag joined the band for a festive favourite - Chuck Berry’s Run, Rudolph Run which well and truly blew the roof off.
Well done to all involved and a big thank you to Year 11s Austin Mason and Archie Parmar who hosted the evening with their signature warmth and humour. Thank you also to Director of Music Mrs Amy Haynes and all staff involved in the evening. Please enjoy highlights below.
